Is Congress Marching in Ranchi Against New Law Replacing MGNREGA?
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Synopsis
On January 5 in Ranchi, the JPCC orchestrated a protest against the newly implemented law replacing MGNREGA, raising concerns over rural employment security. The march, led by Keshav Mahto Kamlesh, highlighted the potential negative impacts of the law on millions of rural families. Join us as we delve deeper into this significant political event!
Key Takeaways
- JPCC organized a march in Ranchi against the new law replacing MGNREGA.
- Concerns raised about the impact on rural employment security.
- The march was led by Keshav Mahto Kamlesh.
- Speeches emphasized the importance of grassroots development.
- Criticism aimed at the BJP-led government for reducing MGNREGA funding.
Ranchi, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (JPCC) held a significant protest march in Ranchi on Monday against the newly enacted law aimed at replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The party claims this change would undermine rural employment security.
Leading the march was State Congress President Keshav Mahto Kamlesh, which commenced at Bapu Vatika in Morabadi and concluded at Lok Bhavan in Ranchi.
Prior to the march, Congress leaders and supporters paid their respects with floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue and vowed to persist in their opposition to the amendments regarding MGNREGA.
During his speech, State Congress in-charge K. Raju emphasized that the UPA government had established a legal right to 100 days of employment for the rural poor through MGNREGA, with the responsibility of selecting projects assigned to Gram Panchayats.
This decentralized strategy was said to have bolstered grassroots development and provided economic stability to countless impoverished families.
Raju pointed out that during the Covid-19 pandemic, MGNREGA proved to be a lifeline for many returning migrant laborers.
He criticized the new legislation, arguing that it allows the Centre to assume control over project selection, which could diminish laborers' rights and promote a contract-based system, opposing the essence of MGNREGA.
Keshav Mahto Kamlesh accused the current BJP-led government of slashing the MGNREGA budget, which had seen consistent increases during the UPA era. He further noted that the revised Centre-state funding ratio would escalate the financial strain on the states.
He raised concerns about the suggested limitation of work to just two months a year, which he warned could harm the rural economy and discriminate against states not governed by the BJP.
Legislature party leader Pradeep Yadav denounced the Centre for systematically eroding pro-people legislation, while deputy leader Rajesh Kachhap asserted that Congress had implemented MGNREGA to fortify the rural economy and mitigate distress migration.
MP Sukhdev Bhagat referred to the change in MGNREGA's name and structure as an assault on Gandhian principles. Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore remarked that with over 12 crore registered MGNREGA workers nationwide, a significantly larger budget would be necessary to guarantee 125 days of employment, indicating that the current allocation is insufficient.
Health Minister Irfan Ansari, Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh, and Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey also expressed their opposition to the changes, asserting that MGNREGA is essential for rural development and for curbing migration.
The program was coordinated by JPCC working president Shahzada Anwar, and the vote of thanks was presented by Mahila Congress president Rama Khalkho. A significant number of Congress supporters and MGNREGA workers participated in the march.
Point of View
This protest highlights the ongoing tension between state and central government policies impacting rural employment. The Congress party is leveraging public sentiment around MGNREGA to position itself as a champion for rural rights, especially in light of recent legislative changes. It's crucial to monitor how this political maneuvering resonates with voters ahead of upcoming elections.
NationPress
07/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MGNREGA?
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a legislation that guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
Why did Congress organize a march in Ranchi?
Congress organized the march in Ranchi to protest against the new law that replaces MGNREGA, which they believe will weaken rural employment security.
Who led the protest march?
The protest march was led by State Congress President Keshav Mahto Kamlesh.
What are the implications of the new law?
The new law is believed to centralize project selection, reducing laborers' rights and potentially creating a contract-based employment system, which contradicts the objectives of MGNREGA.
How does this protest relate to the UPA government?
Congress leaders have pointed out that the MGNREGA budget was consistently increased during the UPA government, contrasting it with the current reductions under the BJP-led government.
